Controversial abortion legislation set to be passed by the Dail tonight

Lucinda Creighton is set to vote against the Bill (Image: Collins Courts)

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Irish politicians will vote tonight to pass divisive laws to legislate for the first time for abortion in limited circumstances.

Several members of the coalition Government are believed to be prepared to rebel over the reforms which enshrine a woman's right to a termination if her life is at risk.

The most contentious part of the new laws allows an expectant mother to seek an abortion on the grounds that she is suicidal.

Mass protests by pro-life groups, hate mail and death threats to politicians and intimidation of campaigners have worsened already bitter disputes over the reforms.

A group of pro-life activists slept at the front of Leinster House overnight where the vote will take place as late as 10pm tonight.

It had been expected up to 10 government members would rebel but the passing of the laws is not in doubt.

Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton is the most senior figure expected to vote against the legislation as she opposes the suicide clause and wants alternative therapies offered instead of termination.

If she votes against the bill she will lose the Fine Gael party whip and her junior ministerial position.

Ms Creighton has pushed for the legislation to be amended including adding a rule to allow the unborn to have legal representation and to allow for speedy and intense assessment and evaluation of women who state they are suicidal.

(Image: REUTERS/Yves Herman)

Four of her colleagues have already lost the whip and face the threat of being barred from running for the party at the next election as Taoiseach Enda Kenny sticks to his hard line demanding all Government members vote in favour or walk.

Mr Kenny has insisted the reform is about "all the women of Ireland".

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 was drawn up following the death of Savita Halappanavar, an Indian dentist who died in an Irish hospital in October last year after being denied an abortion as she miscarried.

An inquiry found medics missed an early opportunity to terminate on health grounds and unacceptable clinical practice.

Previously doctors acted under guidance from the Irish Medical Council and law based on a Supreme Court ruling from 1992, known as the X case, that allowed abortion if there was a threat to the mother's life, including suicide.

The case was taken by a 14-year-old rape victim who became pregnant and was refused permission to travel for an abortion.

Ireland was also under pressure after a European Court of Human Rights ruling that a woman in remission with cancer was discriminated against because she was forced to travel overseas for a termination.

Choice campaigners have demanded action and claim Ireland only exports its problem with about 4,000 women registering with an Irish address for an abortion in the UK every year.

The inclusion of the suicide clause has been the biggest bone of contention, with some opponents arguing it should not serve as legal grounds for abortion, and others claiming abortion in those circumstances could do more damage to a woman's mental health.

Decisions will be finalised today on whether amendments can be made to the legislation but major changes are unlikely.

Campaigners for abortion to be allowed in other circumstances, such as fatal foetal abnormalities, have been told that it will not be included in any loosening of Ireland's strict regime.

Following today's ballot, the bill will be considered by the Seanad - the upper house of parliament.

After that, provided there are no demands for further amendments, the legislation will be brought to President Michael D Higgins who will sign off on it and enshrine it into Irish law.

The Government expects the law to be enacted before the Dail breaks for summer on July 18.